Oriental Salad(Out Of This World)
A crunchy, savory oriental salad featuring toasted almonds, sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, and crispy ramen noodles, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown almonds and sesame seed in margarine; cool.
- Mix uncooked and crumbled noodles, cabbage (or coleslaw mix), and cooled nut mixture.
- Combine seasoning package from noodles with oil and sugar.
- Toss with cabbage mixture at the last minute and serve. Cooked, cubed chicken can also be added with the oil mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider toasting the slivered almonds and sesame seeds for a few minutes until golden brown. If you want a lighter version, use olive oil instead of margarine and replace the sugar with honey or agave syrup. For a protein boost, add cooked, cubed chicken or chickpeas. You can also incorporate other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Oriental Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Baked Carp or can be served alongside a bowl of E-Z Fried Saimin for a more substantial meal. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose its crunch over time, so it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving. To refresh the salad, consider adding a splash of oil or vinegar before serving, and toss gently to revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Salad(Out Of This World) contains roughly 567 calories, with 5g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the noodles and cabbage. Store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can make this salad vegetarian by omitting any meat and using vegetable broth for the seasoning packet. Also, consider adding more colorful veggies and a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu to enhance the dish.
What can I substitute for Ramen noodles?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a gluten-free or low-carb option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as these alternatives may require different preparation methods.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).